Recommendations for a 21mm finder?

[sepiareverb]

I like the new Leica finders, quite the same build as the ZM, but smaller. Some might say too small. If size is unimportant the Frankenfinder is incredibly accurate.

 

[Beemermark]

The hotshoe on Leica M's is offset from the centerline of the lens and Leica 21mm finders are offset to line up over the centerline. The Zeiss 21mm finder is for a Zeiss camera and is not offset-Dick

I don't know about the Zeiss but the CV 28mm finders are offset. I have the older plastic Leitz 21mm, I do not have any other 21mm finders but I have two of the CV 28 finders (different styles) and both frame accurately with my M7. Since the ZI is based on a CV body I would have to think it was also offset.

BTW as much as I like my Leitz I just don't think there is that much difference in any of the current finders being offered. Does it really matter which one is brightest. They are all bright enough to see a black cat in a coal mind. When I needed a 28 I bought the CV because of price. I really like the new CV finders that are a copy of the old Leitz finders.

 

[fbf]

That's probably because you've not tried both.

Cheers,

R.

Roger, the zm finder costs more than my cv 15, 21 lenses. I would buy the zm in a heartbeat if I have the money or if I use 21mm often enough.
That being said, I have had almost all brands 21mm finders except the zm one, and I can honestly say the cv 21mm finder is great for the money (much better than leica 21 metal finder IMHO).

Chris

 

[Bob Michaels]

I<snip> I just don't think there is that much difference in any of the current finders being offered. Does it really matter which one is brightest. They are all bright enough to see a black cat in a coal mind. <snip>

My thoughts exactly. I have a 21mm Zeiss (ContaxG) finder, a CV 21mm finder, and have used (but not own) the Leica 21mm finder. They all work well enough so that I could not tell any real difference.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger, the zm finder costs more than my cv 15, 21 lenses. I would buy the zm in a heartbeat if I have the money or if I use 21mm often enough.
That being said, I have had almost all brands 21mm finders except the zm one, and I can honestly say the cv 21mm finder is great for the money (much better than leica 21 metal finder IMHO).

Chris

Dear Chris,

There's a difference between 'great for the money' (with which I wholeheartedly agree) and 'no reason to buy anything else' (which you admit yourself is not true -- it's basically price). That's all I meant.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

My thoughts exactly. I have a 21mm Zeiss (ContaxG) finder, a CV 21mm finder, and have used (but not own) the Leica 21mm finder. They all work well enough so that I could not tell any real difference.

Dear Bob,

You surprise me. The ZI is vastly better than the others I have used (which does not include current Leica finders). Brightness; frame brightness; barrel distortion; the ZI beats them all, in all three areas. Pity about the price, though.

Cheers,

R.